Introduction: Migrant workers are vulnerable to poor mental health conditions due to various challenges that surround them in foreign countries away from home. This study aims to assess the mental health literacy (MHL) status among Myanmar migrant workers in Malaysia, exploring factors related to it.

Methods: A cross-sectional study using a convenience sampling method was conducted from September to October 2023 to select 395 Myanmar migrant workers within the Klang Valley, Malaysia. Mental health literacy level was evaluated using the Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS).

Results: The study encompassed 395 eligible participants, who are predominantly male (60%), younger age (69.1%), Buddhists (93.9%) with secondary education (75.4%), outdoor field workers (57.7%) and obtained a lower monthly income (93.3%). Most did not have prior experience with mental illness. Low social support was reported by the majority (63%). The MHL score was 94.43 (SD = 9.563), which is significantly lower among males (p = 0.042), the lesser income group (p = 0.045), and those who did not have previous experience with mental health practitioners (p = 0.002). The predictors revealed are education level (p = 0.016) and previous experiences with mental health practitioners (p = 0.018).

Conclusion: The overall MHL levels were low. Strategies to share mental health information and resources at workplaces will improve mental health literacy status. Targeted mental health interventions such as providing social support, mental health education, and improving access to the services, should be tailored to the need groups.

Authors:
Lwin Mie Aye, International Medical University, Malaysia
Ye Kyaw Lwin, International Medical University, Malaysia

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Aye is a senior lecturer at Public Health & Community Medicine, School of Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Friday Schedule

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